Surgical forceps

ABSTRACT

A forceps includes an end effector assembly having first and second jaw members. One (or both) of the first and second jaw members is moveable relative to the other between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position for grasping tissue therebetween. One (or both) of the jaw members includes a jaw frame a disposable jaw housing and an elastomeric ring member. The disposable jaw housing is releasably engageable with the jaw frame. The elastomeric ring member is removably positionable about a distal end of the jaw housing. The elastomeric ring member is configured to define a gap distance between the first and second jaw members upon movement of the first and second jaw members to the approximated position.

This application is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/091,331, filed on Apr. 21, 2011, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to a surgical forceps and, more particularly, to a surgical forceps including replaceable jaw members.

TECHNICAL FIELD

A forceps is a plier-like instrument which relies on mechanical action between its jaws to grasp, clamp and constrict vessels or tissue. Electrosurgical forceps utilize both mechanical clamping action and electrical energy to affect hemostasis by heating tissue and blood vessels to coagulate and/or cauterize tissue. Certain surgical procedures require more than simply cauterizing tissue and rely on the unique combination of clamping pressure, precise electrosurgical energy control and gap distance (i.e., distance between opposing jaw members when closed about tissue) to “seal” tissue, vessels and certain vascular bundles. Typically, once a vessel is sealed, the surgeon has to accurately sever the vessel along the newly formed tissue seal. Accordingly, many vessel sealing instruments have been designed which incorporate a knife or blade member which effectively severs the tissue after forming a tissue seal.

Generally, surgical instruments, including forceps, can be classified as single-use instruments, e.g., instruments that are discarded after a single use, partially-reusable instruments, e.g., instruments including both disposable portions and portions that are sterilizable for reuse, and completely reusable instruments, e.g., instruments that are completely sterilizable for repeated use. As can be appreciated, those instruments (or components of instruments) that can be sterilized and reused help reduce the costs associated with the particular surgical procedure for which they are used. However, although reusable surgical instruments are cost-effective, it is important that these instruments be capable of performing the same functions as their disposable counterparts and that any disposable components of these instruments be removable and replaceable with new components efficiently and easily.

SUMMARY

In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, a forceps is provided. The forceps includes an end effector assembly having first and second jaw members. One (or both) of the jaw members is moveable relative to the other between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position for grasping tissue therebetween. One (or both) of the jaw members includes a jaw frame, a jaw housing, and an elastomeric ring member. The jaw housing is releasably engageable with the jaw frame. The elastomeric ring member is removably positionable about a distal end of the jaw housing. The elastomeric ring member is configured to define a gap distance between the first and second jaw members upon movement of the first and second jaw members to the approximated position.

In one embodiment, the gap distance is in the range of about 0.001 inches to about 0.006 inches.

In another embodiment, the jaw housing includes an electrically-conductive seal plate releasably engageable therewith. The seal plate may be adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy for sealing tissue.

The jaw housing may further include an insulating member releasably engageable therewith. The insulating member is configured to releasably retain the seal plate thereon.

In another embodiment, the jaw housing is slidably positionable about the seal plate, the insulating member, and the jaw frame to releasably secure the seal plate, the insulating member, and the jaw frame to one another.

In yet another embodiment, the insulating member is formed at least partially from a resiliently compressible material configured to be compressed upon slidable positioning of the jaw housing about the seal plate, the insulating member and the jaw frame to releasably secure the seal plate, the insulating member and the jaw frame to one another in a friction-fit engagement.

In still another embodiment, the insulating member is configured to snap-fittingly engage the jaw housing upon slidable positioning of the jaw housing about the seal plate, the insulating member and the jaw frame to releasably secure the seal plate, the insulating member and the jaw frame to one another.

In still yet another embodiment, the insulator includes a proximal stop feature configured to define a proximal gap distance between the first and second jaw members upon movement of the first and second jaw members to the approximated position. In such an embodiment, the elastomeric ring member defines a distal gap distance between the first and second jaw members upon movement of the first and second jaw members to the approximated position.

In another embodiment, the seal plate and the insulating member include longitudinally-extending channels defined therethrough. The longitudinally-extending channels defined within the seal plate and the insulating member are configured to permit reciprocation of a knife therethrough.

A method of assembling a jaw member of a forceps is also provided in accordance with the present disclosure. The method includes releasably engaging a jaw housing to a jaw frame. The method further includes positioning an elastomeric ring member about the jaw housing toward a distal end thereof. The elastomeric ring member is configured to define a gap distance between the jaw member and an opposed jaw member of the forceps when the jaw members are moved to an approximated position.

In one embodiment, the gap distance is in the range of about 0.001 inches to about 0.006 inches.

In another embodiment, the jaw housing includes an electrically-conductive seal plate releasably engageable therewith. The seal plate may be adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy for sealing tissue. The jaw housing may further include an insulating member releasably engageable therewith. The insulating member is configured to retain the seal plate thereon.

In another embodiment, releasably engaging the jaw housing to the jaw frame further includes positioning the insulating member about the jaw frame, positioning the seal plate about the insulating member, and slidably positioning the jaw housing about the seal plate, the insulating member, and the jaw frame to releasably secure the seal plate, the insulating member, and the jaw frame to one another.

In still another embodiment, the insulating member is formed partially (or entirely) from a resiliently compressible material. In such an embodiment, the insulating member is configured to be compressed upon slidable positioning of the jaw housing about the seal plate, the insulating member and the jaw frame to thereby releasably secure the seal plate, the insulating member and the jaw frame to one another in a friction-fit engagement.

In still yet another embodiment, the insulating member is configured to snap-fittingly engage the jaw housing upon slidable positioning of the jaw housing about the seal plate, the insulating member and the jaw frame to secure the seal plate, the insulating member and the jaw frame to one another.

In yet another embodiment, the method further includes disengaging the jaw housing from the jaw frame, releasably engaging a second jaw housing to the jaw frame, and positioning a second elastomeric ring member about the second jaw housing toward a distal end thereof. The second elastomeric ring member, similar to the first elastomeric ring member, is configured to define a gap distance between the jaw member and the opposed jaw member of the forceps when the jaw members are moved to the approximated position.

In another embodiment of a forceps provided in accordance with the present disclosure, an end effector assembly includes first and second jaw members. One (or both) of the jaw members is moveable relative to the other between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position for grasping tissue therebetween. One (or both) of the jaw members includes a jaw frame, a jaw housing and an elastomeric ring member. The ring member is removably positionable about a distal end of the jaw housing to releasably secure the jaw housing to the jaw frame. The elastomeric ring member is also configured to define a gap distance between the first and second jaw members upon movement of the first and second jaw members to the approximated position.

Similar to the previous embodiments, the forceps may also include an insulating member and a seal plate. In such embodiments, the insulating member, the jaw housing and/or the jaw frame may include a ring receiving feature defined therein and configured to retain the elastomeric ring member in position thereon. The forceps may otherwise be configured similarly to any of the other embodiments described above.

Another embodiment of a method of assembling a jaw member of a forceps is provided in accordance with the present disclosure. The method includes positioning a jaw housing about a jaw frame and positioning an elastomeric ring member about the jaw housing to releasably secure the jaw housing to the jaw frame. The elastomeric ring member is also configured to define a gap distance between the jaw member and an opposed jaw member of the forceps when the jaw members are moved to an approximated position. The method may further include any of the features of any of the other embodiments discussed above.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein with reference to the drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front, perspective view of an endoscopic surgical forceps configured for use in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a front, perspective view of an open surgical forceps configured for use in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 3A is a side view of an end effector assembly configured for use with either of the forceps of FIGS. 1 and 2 wherein jaw members of the end effector assembly are shown in a spaced-apart position;

FIG. 3B is a side view of the end effector assembly of FIG. 3A wherein the jaw members are shown in an approximated position;

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of one of the jaw members of the end effector assembly of FIG. 3A;

FIG. 5 is a top view of the jaw member of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a longitudinal, cross-sectional view of the jaw member of FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a transverse, cross-sectional view of the jaw member of FIG. 4;

FIG. 8 is an exploded, perspective view of the other jaw member of the end effector assembly of FIG. 3A;

FIG. 9 is a top view of the jaw member of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a longitudinal, cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a jaw member of an end effector assembly configured for use with either of the forceps of FIGS. 1 and 2; and

FIG. 11 is a transverse, cross-sectional view of the jaw member of FIG. 10.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail with reference to the drawing figures wherein like reference numerals identify similar or identical elements. As used herein, the term “distal” refers to the portion that is being described which is further from a user, while the term “proximal” refers to the portion that is being described which is closer to a user.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, FIG. 1 depicts a forceps 10 for use in connection with endoscopic surgical procedures and FIG. 2 depicts an open forceps 10′ contemplated for use in connection with traditional open surgical procedures. For the purposes herein, either an endoscopic instrument, e.g., forceps 10, or an open instrument, e.g., forceps 10′, may be utilized in accordance with the present disclosure. Obviously, different electrical and mechanical connections and considerations apply to each particular type of instrument, however, the novel aspects with respect to the end effector assembly and its operating characteristics remain generally consistent with respect to both the open and endoscopic configurations.

Turning now to FIG. 1, an endoscopic forceps 10 is provided defining a longitudinal axis “A-A” and including a housing 20, a handle assembly 30, a rotating assembly 70, a trigger assembly 80 and an end effector assembly 100. Forceps 10 further includes a shaft 12 having a distal end 14 configured to mechanically engage end effector assembly 100 and a proximal end 16 that mechanically engages housing 20. Forceps 10 also includes electrosurgical cable 310 that connects forceps 10 to a generator (not shown) or other suitable power source, although forceps 10 may alternatively be configured as a battery powered instrument. Cable 310 includes a wire (or wires) 312 extending therethrough that has sufficient length to extend through shaft 12 in order to provide electrical energy to at least one of the jaw members 110 and 120 of end effector assembly 100.

With continued reference to FIG. 1, handle assembly 30 includes fixed handle 50 and a moveable handle 40. Fixed handle 50 is integrally associated with housing 20 and handle 40 is moveable relative to fixed handle 50. Rotating assembly 70 is rotatable in either direction about a longitudinal axis “A-A” to rotate end effector 100 about longitudinal axis “A-A.” The housing 20 houses the internal working components of the forceps 10.

Referring momentarily to FIGS. 3-4, end effector assembly 100 is shown attached at a distal end 14 of shaft 12 and includes a pair of opposing jaw members 110 and 120. Each of jaw members 110 and 120 includes an opposed electrically conductive tissue sealing surface 216, 226, respectively. End effector assembly 100 is designed as a unilateral assembly, i.e., where jaw member 120 is fixed relative to shaft 12 and jaw member 110 is moveable about pivot 103 relative to shaft 12 and fixed jaw member 120. However, end effector assembly 100 may alternatively be configured as a bilateral assembly, i.e., where both jaw member 110 and jaw member 120 are moveable about a pivot 103 relative to one another and to shaft 12. In some embodiments, a knife assembly (not shown) is disposed within shaft 12 and a knife channel (FIG. 7) is defined within one or both jaw members 110, 120 to permit reciprocation of a knife blade (not shown) therethrough. End effector assembly 100 will be described in greater detail hereinbelow.

Referring again to FIG. 1, moveable handle 40 of handle assembly 30 is ultimately connected to a drive assembly (not shown) that, together, mechanically cooperate to impart movement of jaw members 110 and 120 between a spaced-apart position (FIG. 3A) and an approximated position (FIG. 3B) to grasp tissue disposed between sealing surfaces 216 and 226 (FIGS. 3A-3B) of jaw members 110, 120, respectively. As shown in FIG. 1, moveable handle 40 is initially spaced-apart from fixed handle 50 and, correspondingly, jaw members 110, 120 are in the spaced-apart position. Moveable handle 40 is depressible from this initial position to a depressed position corresponding to the approximated position (FIG. 3B) of jaw members 110, 120.

Referring now to FIG. 2, an open forceps 10′ is shown including two elongated shafts 12 a and 12 b, each having a proximal end 16 a and 16 b, and a distal end 14 a and 14 b, respectively. Similar to forceps 10 (FIG. 1), forceps 10′ is configured for use with end effector assembly 100. More specifically, end effector assembly 100 is attached to distal ends 14 a and 14 b of shafts 12 a and 12 b, respectively. As mentioned above, end effector assembly 100 includes a pair of opposing jaw members 110 and 120 that are pivotably connected about a pivot 103. Each shaft 12 a and 12 b includes a handle 17 a and 17 b disposed at the proximal end 16 a and 16 b thereof. Each handle 17 a and 17 b defines a finger hole 18 a and 18 b therethrough for receiving a finger of the user. As can be appreciated, finger holes 18 a and 18 b facilitate movement of the shafts 12 a and 12 b relative to one another that, in turn, pivots jaw members 110 and 120 from an open position (FIG. 3A), wherein the jaw members 110 and 120 are disposed in spaced-apart relation relative to one another, to a closed position (FIG. 3B), wherein the jaw members 110 and 120 cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween.

A ratchet 30′ may be included for selectively locking the jaw members 110 and 120 relative to one another at various positions during pivoting. It is envisioned that the ratchet 30′ may include graduations or other visual markings that enable the user to easily and quickly ascertain and control the amount of closure force desired between the jaw members 110 and 120.

With continued reference to FIG. 2, one of the shafts, e.g., shaft 12 b, includes a proximal shaft connector 19 which is designed to connect the forceps 10′ to a source of electrosurgical energy such as an electrosurgical generator (not shown). Proximal shaft connector 19 secures an electrosurgical cable 310′ to forceps 10′ such that the user may selectively apply electrosurgical energy to the electrically conductive sealing surfaces 216 and 226 of jaw members 110 and 120, respectively, as needed.

Forceps 10′ may further include a knife assembly (not shown) disposed within either of shafts 12 a, 12 b and a knife channel (FIG. 7) defined within one or both jaw members 110, 120 to permit reciprocation of a knife blade (not shown) therethrough.

Turning now to FIGS. 3A-7, as mentioned above, end effector assembly 100 including jaw members 110, 120 is configured for use with either forceps 10 or forceps 10′, discussed above, or any other suitable surgical instrument capable of pivoting jaw members 110, 120 relative to one another between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position for grasping tissue therebetween. However, for purposes of simplicity and consistency, end effector assembly 100 will be described hereinbelow with reference to forceps 10 only.

Jaw members 110, 120 of end effector assembly 100 each include a disposable component 210, 220 that is releasably engageable with a jaw frame 112, 122, respectively. Jaw frames 112, 122, in turn, are pivotably coupled to one another about pivot 103. Disposable components 210, 220 are removable from jaw frames 112, 122, respectively, and are replaceable with new disposable components 210, 220, e.g., disposable components 210, 220 may be configured to be discarded and replaced after a single use (or a single procedure), while the remaining components of forceps 10 may be formed from a sterilizable material such that they may be sterilized, e.g., placed in an autoclave (not shown), after each procedure for repeat use in conjunction with subsequent sets of disposable components 210, 220, e.g., a second set of disposable components 210, 220. Alternatively, the remaining components of forceps 10 may likewise be disposable. In either embodiment, disposable components 210, 220 are advantageous in that the surgeon may select the disposable components 210, 220 for use with forceps 10 that are best suited for the particular procedure to be performed, i.e., the surgeon may customize forceps 10 to the particular procedure to be performed by selecting a particular set of disposable components 210, 220, without requiring an entirely new surgical instrument. For example, the surgeon may select between a first set of disposable components 210, 220 configured for a first surgical purpose and a second set of disposable components 210, 220 configured for a second, different surgical purpose, depending on the surgical procedure to be performed. As can be appreciated, requiring only a new set, i.e., a second set, of disposable components 210, 220 for each use, rather than an entire new surgical instrument, helps reduce the equipment costs associated with performing a particular surgical procedure. Likewise, the ability to interchangeably use different disposable components 210, 220, e.g., first and second sets of disposable components 210, 220, allows a single instrument to be customizable for use in various different procedures, rather than requiring a different instrument for each different procedure.

With continued reference to FIGS. 3A-7, disposable component 220 of jaw member 120 is described. Disposable component 220 generally includes an outer jaw housing 222, an insulator 224, an electrically-conductive tissue sealing plate 226, and a resiliently flexible ring 228, e.g., an elastomeric O-ring 228. As best shown in FIG. 4, jaw housing 222 is configured to mechanically engage insulator 224, tissue sealing plate 226 and jaw frame 122 to one another, e.g., in slidable snap-fit engagement therewith, although other mechanisms (not shown) for releasably securing jaw housing 222 about insulator 224, tissue sealing plate 226 and jaw frame 122 are contemplated. More specifically, jaw housing 222 includes an elongated cavity 223 a defined therein for slidably receiving tissue sealing plate 226, insulator 224, and jaw frame 122 therethrough. Jaw housing 222 further includes an annular groove 223 b defined therein toward a distal end 223 c thereof for positioning of O-ring 228 thereon. The assembly of jaw member 120 will be described in greater detail below.

As best shown in FIG. 4, insulator 224 is configured to electrically isolate tissue sealing plate 226 from the remaining components of jaw member 120. Accordingly, insulator 224 is formed at least partially from an electrically-insulative material, e.g., silicon. Insulator 224 includes a base 225 a disposed at a proximal end thereof. Base 225 a includes a pair of laterally-extending, dovetail-shaped flanges 225 b configured to snap-fittingly engage elongated slots 223 d defined within jaw housing 222 to secure jaw housing 222 about insulator 224, tissue sealing plate 226 and jaw frame 122. Further, as will be described below, base 225 a is configured to abut a proximal end 227 a of tissue sealing plate 226 on an upper side thereof and to abut proximal end 123 of jaw frame 122 on the lower side thereof such that, when jaw housing 222 is slid over and snap-fittingly engaged with insulator 224, the components of jaw member 120, e.g., jaw frame 122, jaw housing 222, insulator 224 and tissue sealing plate 226, are maintained in substantially fixed relation relative to one another. Base 225 a may also be configured to set a gap distance “g” (FIG. 3B) between jaw members 110, 120 at a proximal end 101 of end effector assembly 100 when jaw members 110, 120 are moved to the approximated position, as will be described in greater detail below.

Insulator 224 may alternatively, or additionally, be formed from a resiliently compressible material, e.g., silicon, that is compressed, e.g., from an initial state to a compressed state, upon insertion of insulator 224 into jaw housing 222 such that insulator 224, tissue sealing plate 226 and jaw frame 122 are frictionally retained within jaw housing 222, e.g., under the biasing force urging insulator 224 back toward the initial state. Further, insulator 224 may include a blade slot 225 c defined therein for reciprocation of a knife blade (not shown) therethrough.

With continued reference to FIG. 4, tissue sealing plate 226 of disposable component 220 of jaw member 120 is configured for positioning about insulator 224 and for slidable insertion into jaw housing 222. More specifically, tissue sealing plate 226 includes a lip 227 b extending from an outer periphery thereof that is configured to engage a track 225 d defined within insulator 224 to retain tissue sealing plate 226 and insulator 224 in substantially fixed relation relative to one another. Tissue sealing plate 226 further includes a post 227 c extending therefrom that is configured to electrically connect tissue sealing plate 226 to a source of electrosurgical energy (not shown), e.g., via wires 312 (FIG. 1) disposed within electrosurgical cable 310 (FIG. 1). A longitudinally-extending blade slot 227 d configured for alignment with blade slot 225 c defined within insulator 224 may also be provided to permit reciprocation of a knife blade (not shown) therethrough.

Referring again to FIGS. 3A and 3B, in conjunction with FIG. 4, O-ring 228, as mentioned above, is configured for positioning about jaw housing 222. More specifically, O-ring 228 is configured for positioning within annular groove 223 b formed within jaw housing 222 toward distal end 223 c thereof. O-ring 228 may be formed from any bio-compatible, resiliently flexible material, e.g., an elastomer. Further, although shown in the drawings as having an oval-shaped cross-sectional configuration, O-ring 228 may alternatively define a circular cross-sectional configuration, a polygonal cross-sectional configuration, or any other suitable cross-sectional configuration. Annular groove 223 b may define a complementary configuration relative to O-ring 228, e.g., a semi-oval cross-sectional configuration, to facilitate positioning and retention of O-ring 228 within annular groove 223 b.

As will be described in greater detail below, O-ring 228 may also be configured to provide a gap distance “g” between jaw members 110, 120 at a distal end 102 of end effector assembly 100, in conjunction with, or in place of base 225 a of insulator 224 (FIG. 4). Accordingly, the compressibility of O-ring 228, in response to the closure force imparted thereto by jaw members 110, 120, determines, in part, the gap distance “g” between tissue sealing plates 216, 226 of jaw members 110, 120, respectively. For example, the more compressible the O-ring 228, the smaller the gap distance “g” between sealing plates 216, 226 of jaw members 110, 120, respectively. The compressibility of the O-ring 228 may depend on various factors including the thickness, or diameter of the O-ring 228, the cross-sectional configuration of the O-ring, and/or the material(s) used to form the O-ring 228. Thus, the user may select an O-ring 228 configured to set a specific gap distance “g,” or range of gap distances “g,” suitable for the particular procedure to be performed. Various different O-rings 228, e.g., a first O-ring having a first configuration and a second O-ring having a second, different configuration, may be provided such that a single surgical instrument, e.g., forceps 10 (FIG. 1), may be customized for use, e.g., by selecting an appropriate O-ring, in a wide range of applications involving different tissue thicknesses, tissue compositions, and/or other anatomical considerations. Gap ranges are contemplated in the range of about 0.001 inches to about 0.006 inches.

Turning now to FIGS. 8 and 9, jaw member 110 is shown. Jaw member 110 includes a jaw frame 112 and a disposable component 210 including an outer jaw housing 212, an insulator 214, and a tissue sealing plate 216. Jaw frame 112 is pivotably engageable with jaw frame 122 of jaw member 120 (FIGS. 4-7), about pivot 103 (FIGS. 3A-3B), to permit jaw members 110, 120 to move relative to one another between the spaced-apart position (FIG. 3A) and the approximated position (FIG. 3B). Insulator 214 is configured to retain tissue sealing plate 216 thereabout and includes a proximal base 215 for abutting tissue sealing plate 216 and jaw frame 112. Proximal base 215 may also be configured, in conjunction with proximal base 225 a of insulator 224 of jaw member 120, to set the gap distance “g” between tissue sealing plates 216, 226 of jaw members 110, 120, respectively, at proximal end 101 of end effector assembly 100 (see FIG. 3B).

Jaw member 110 is configured similarly to jaw member 120 except that jaw member 110 does not include an O-ring disposed about jaw housing 212. However, jaw member 110 may alternatively be configured to include an O-ring in place of, or in addition to O-ring 228 of jaw member 120 (FIGS. 3A-3B). Further, tissue sealing plate 216 and insulator 214 of jaw member 110 may cooperate to define a blade channel 217 extending longitudinally therethrough such that, upon approximation of jaw members 110, 120, blade channel 217 and the blade channel of jaw member 120, e.g., the blade channel formed from blade slots 225 c and 227 d, cooperate with one another to permit reciprocation of a knife blade (not shown). Alternatively, the blade channel may be defined completely within one of jaw members 110, 120, e.g., such that the other jaw member defines a continuous configuration without a blade channel defined therein, or the blade channel may be left out entirely. Jaw member 110 may otherwise be configured similarly to jaw member 120 and, thus, the description of such will not be repeated herein for purposes of brevity.

Referring once again to FIGS. 4-7, the assembly of jaw member 120 is described. The assembly of jaw member 110 (FIGS. 8-9) is substantially similar to that of jaw member 120 and, thus, will not be repeated. Initially, tissue sealing plate 226 is positioned about insulator 224 such that lip 227 b of tissue sealing plate 226 is disposed within track 225 d of insulator 224 and such that proximal end 227 a of tissue sealing plate 226 abuts base 225 a of insulator 224. As can be appreciated, in this position, post 227 c extends past insulator 224 on a distal end thereof, allowing post 227 c to be coupled to a source of electrosurgical energy (not shown) for energizing tissue sealing plate 226.

Next, insulator 224 and tissue sealing plate 226 are positioned atop jaw frame 122 such that proximal end 123 of jaw frame 122 abuts base 225 a of insulator 224. Accordingly, in this position, insulator 224 is inhibited from translating distally relative to jaw frame 122 and tissue sealing plate 226, due to the abutting relation of base 225 a therewith.

With insulator 224 and tissue sealing plate 226 disposed about jaw frame 122, jaw housing 222 is slidably inserted over insulator 224, tissue sealing plate 226, and jaw frame 122. In other words, insulator 224, tissue sealing plate 226, and jaw frame 122 and slid into elongated cavity 223 a defined within jaw housing 222. More specifically, insulator 224, tissue sealing plate 226, and jaw frame 122 are slid into elongated cavity 223 a until lateral flanges 225 b of insulator 224 snap into engagement with elongated slots 223 d defined within jaw housing 222. An audible and/or tactile “snap,” or other feedback signal, may be provided to alert the user that jaw housing 222 has been securely engaged about insulator 224, tissue sealing plate 226, and jaw frame 122. In this position, as best shown in FIG. 7, blade channels 225 c, 227 d of insulator 224 and tissue sealing plate 226, respectively, are aligned with one another to form a continuous blade channel for reciprocation of a knife blade (not shown) therethrough.

Once jaw housing 222 is secured about jaw frame 122, insulator 224 and tissue sealing plate 226, O-ring 228 may be slid over distal end 223 c of jaw member 120 and into position within annular groove 223 b of jaw housing 222 to complete the assembly of jaw member 120. As mentioned above, the specific O-ring 228 chosen may depend on the desired gap distance “g” between tissue sealing plates 216, 226 of jaw members 110, 120, respectively, which, in turn, may depend on the size and/or composition of tissue to be sealed, the particular procedure to be performed, and/or other anatomical considerations.

As best shown in FIG. 7, with jaw member 120 in the fully assembled condition, jaw frame 122 and insulator 224 are disposed within jaw housing 222, while tissue sealing plate 226 extends therefrom toward jaw member 110 (FIGS. 3A-3B). O-ring 228, as best shown in FIGS. 3A-B and 6, likewise extends from jaw housing 222 toward jaw member 110 further than tissue sealing plate 226, e.g., O-ring 228 extends beyond tissue sealing plate 226. As can be appreciated, due to the various mechanical relationships between jaw frame 120, disposable component 220 and the sub-components thereof, as discussed above, in the fully assembled condition, jaw frame 122, jaw housing 222, insulator 224, tissue sealing plate 226 and O-ring 228, are all retained in substantially fixed relation relative to one another.

Turning back to FIGS. 3A and 3B, the use and operation of end effector assembly 100 will be described. Initially, disposable components 210, 220 are assembled on jaw members 110, 120, respectively, as described above. Next, with jaw members 110, 120 in the spaced-apart position (FIG. 3A), end effector assembly 100 is positioned such that tissue to be grasped, sealed and/or divided is disposed between tissue sealing plates 216, 226 of jaw members 110, 120, respectively. Thereafter, jaw members 110, 120 are moved to the approximated position to grasp tissue between tissue sealing plates 216 and 226, e.g., via depressing moveable handle 40 of forceps 10 from the initial position to the depressed position relative to fixed handle 50 (see FIG. 1).

Upon moving jaw members 110, 120 to the approximated position, as shown in FIG. 3B, O-ring 228, which is disposed about jaw member 120, contacts jaw housing 212 of jaw member 110 towards distal end 102 of end effector assembly 100 to set the gap distance “g” between tissue sealing plates 216, 226 of jaw members 110, 120, respectively. Likewise, at the proximal end 101 of end effector assembly 100, proximal bases 215, 225 a of respective insulators 214, 224 help maintain a uniform gap distance “g” between tissue sealing plates 216, 226 along the lengths of tissue sealing plates 216 and 226. However, only one of insulators 214, 224 of jaw members 110, 120, respectively, may include a proximal base that helps set gap distance “g,” or neither of insulators 214, 224 may include a proximal base, e.g., only O-ring 228 may be used to set the gap distance “g.”

With continued reference to FIG. 3B, and as mentioned above, upon approximation of jaw members 110, 120 to grasp tissue therebetween, O-ring 228 is compressed between jaw housings 212, 222, of jaw members 110, 120, respectively. As can be appreciated, the closure force imparted by jaw members 110, 120 and the specific configuration of O-ring 228 determines the amount of compression of O-ring 228 and, as a result, the gap distance “g” between tissue sealing plates 216, 226. Further, proximal bases 215, 225 a, of insulators 214, 224 of jaw members 110, 120, respectively, may also be configured to compress in response to the closure force imparted thereon by jaw members 110, 120 to help define gap distance “g,” or may simply be configured to define a minimum gap distance “g,” thereby helping to ensure that tissue sealing plates 216, 226 of jaw members 110, 120, respectively, do not contact one another in the approximated position of jaw members 110, 120.

With tissue grasped between sealing plates 216, 226, of jaw members 110, 120, respectively, electrosurgical energy may be supplied to one (or both) of tissue sealing plates 216, 226 and through tissue to effect a tissue seal. As can be appreciated, controlling the gap distance “g” between sealing plates 216 and 226, e.g., via O-ring 228 and/or proximal bases 215, 225 a, helps to ensure that an effective tissue seal is achieved. The gap distance “g” between opposing sealing plates 216 and 226 during sealing ranges from about 0.001 inches to about 0.006 inches.

In embodiments where a knife assembly (not shown) is provided, the knife blade (not shown) may then be advanced through the knife channels of jaw member 110 and/or jaw member 120 to cut tissue along the previously formed tissue seal. Thereafter, jaw members 110, 120 may be returned to the spaced-apart position to release the sealed and divided tissue and end effector assembly 100 may be removed from the surgical site. Finally, disposable components 210, 220 may be removed from the respective jaw frames 112, 122, e.g., with respect to disposable component 220, via disengaging lateral flanges 225 b of insulator 224 from elongated slots 223 d of jaw housing 222 and similarly with respect to disposable component 210, and discarded. After sterilization of forceps 10, a second set of disposable components 210, 220 (including a second O-ring 228) may be engaged thereon similarly as described above for performing subsequent procedures.

Turning now to FIGS. 10 and 11, another embodiment of an end effector assembly provided in accordance with the present disclosure is shown including a jaw member generally identified by reference numeral 1120. Jaw member 1120 includes a jaw frame 1122 and a disposable component 1220 releasably engageable thereon, e.g., slidably positionable thereon. A complementary jaw member (not shown) substantially similar to jaw member 1120 and configured to oppose jaw member 1120 is also provided, but will not be described herein to avoid unnecessary repetition. As can be appreciated, the jaw members cooperate to pivot between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position for grasping tissue therebetween.

With continued reference to FIGS. 10 and 11, jaw member 1120 includes a jaw frame 1122 and a disposable component 1220. Jaw frame 1122 is similar to jaw frame 122 of jaw member 120 and is configured to pivotably engage an opposed jaw member (not shown) such that the jaw members may be moved between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position for grasping tissue therebetween. Further, jaw frame 1122 defines an elongated configuration and includes a divot 1123 formed on a bottom surface 1124 thereof toward a distal end 1125 thereof, the importance of which will be described hereinbelow.

Continuing with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11, disposable component 1220 of jaw member 1120 includes a jaw housing 1222, an insulator 1224, a tissue sealing plate 1226 and an O-ring 1228. Similar to disposable component 220 (FIGS. 3A-5), jaw housing 1222 of disposable component 1220 is configured for slidable positioning about insulator 1224, tissue sealing plate 1226 and jaw frame 1122. More specifically, jaw housing 1222 includes an elongated cavity 1223 a defined therein for slidable receiving tissue sealing plate 1226, insulator 1224, and jaw frame 1122 therethrough. Jaw housing 1222 further includes an annular slot 1223 b defined therein toward a distal end 1223 c thereof for positioning of O-ring 1228 thereon. Annular slot 1223 b is configured to align with divot 1123 formed with jaw frame 1122 such that O-ring 1228 may be disposed within both annular slot 1223 c defined within jaw housing 1222 and divot 1123 defined within jaw frame 1122 to retain jaw housing 1222 and jaw frame 1122 in fixed relation relative to one another.

Insulator 1224 is substantially similar to insulator 224 (FIG. 4) and is configured to electrically isolate tissue sealing plate 1226 from the remaining components of disposable component 1220. Insulator 1224 includes a base (not shown) and a body portion 1225 a extending distally therefrom. The base (not shown) is configured similarly to base 225 a of insulator 224 of disposable component 220 of jaw member 120 (FIGS. 3A-4). In particular, the base (not shown) is configured to abut a proximal end 1227 a of tissue sealing plate 1226 on an upper side thereof and to abut proximal end 1126 of jaw frame 1122 on the lower side thereof. The base (not shown) may also be configured to set a gap distance “g” (FIG. 3B) between the jaw members similarly as described above with respect to end effector assembly 100 (see FIGS. 3A-7).

However, different from insulator 224 (FIG. 4), insulator 1224 further includes an annular slot 1225 b defined therein toward a distal end 1225 c thereof and configured to align with annular slot 1223 b defined within jaw housing 1222 and divot 1123 defined within jaw frame 1122. Annular slot 1225 b is configured to receive at least a portion of O-ring 1228 therein such that, as will be described in greater detail below, O-ring 1228 may be used to secure jaw housing 1222, jaw frame 1122, and insulator 1224 in fixed relation relative to one another.

With continued reference to FIGS. 10-11, tissue sealing plate 1226 of disposable component 1220 is configured for positioning about insulator 1224 and for slidable insertion into jaw housing 1222. More specifically, tissue sealing plate 1226 includes a lip 1227 b extending from an outer periphery thereof that is configured to engage a track 1225 d defined within insulator 1224 to retain tissue sealing plate 1226 and insulator 1224 in fixed position relative to one another. Tissue sealing plate 1226 further includes a post 1227 c extending therefrom that is configured to electrically connect tissue sealing plate 1226 to a source of electrosurgical energy (not shown), e.g., via wires 312 (FIG. 1) disposed within electrosurgical cable 310 (FIG. 1).

O-ring 1228, as mentioned above, is configured for positioning within annular slot 1223 b of jaw housing 1222, annular slot 1225 b formed within insulator 1224, and divot 1123 formed within jaw frame 1122 such that, upon positioning of O-ring 1228 about jaw housing 1222, insulator 1224 and jaw frame 1122, O-ring retains jaw housing 1222, insulator 1224, jaw frame 1122, and tissue sealing plate 1226 (which is retained in fixed position relative to insulator 1224) in substantially fixed relation relative to one another. As can be appreciated, similar to O-ring 228 of jaw member 120 (FIGS. 3A-5), O-ring 1228 defines the gap distance “g” (FIG. 3B) between the jaw members when moved to the approximated position. Thus, in the embodiment of jaw member 1120, O-ring 1228 performs two functions: to secure disposable component 1220 of jaw member 1120 and the sub-components thereof to jaw frame 1122 in fixed relation relative to one another, and to set the gap distance “g” (FIG. 3B) between the jaw members upon movement of the jaw members to an approximated position, as discussed above with regard to O-ring 228 of disposable component 220 of jaw member 120. O-ring 1228 may otherwise be configured similarly to O-ring 228 (see FIGS. 3A-5).

From the foregoing and with reference to the various figure drawings, those skilled in the art will appreciate that certain modifications can also be made to the present disclosure without departing from the scope of the same. While several embodiments of the disclosure have been shown in the drawings, it is not intended that the disclosure be limited thereto, as it is intended that the disclosure be as broad in scope as the art will allow and that the specification be read likewise. Therefore, the above description should not be construed as limiting, but merely as exemplifications of particular embodiments. Those skilled in the art will envision other modifications within the scope and spirit of the claims appended hereto. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A forceps, comprising: an end effector assembly including first and second jaw members defining respective proximal and distal ends, the first and second jaw members coupled to each other at the respective proximal ends thereof such that at least one of the first and second jaw members is movable relative to the other between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position for grasping tissue therebetween, at least one of the jaw members including: an electrically-conductive plate disposed between the proximal and distal ends of the at least one jaw member and spaced-apart from the distal end thereof; a jaw housing supporting the plate thereon, the jaw housing including a distal portion disposed between the electrically-conductive plate and the distal end of the at least one jaw member; and a ring member surrounding the distal portion of the jaw housing, the ring member distally-spaced from the plate and extending beyond the plate towards the other jaw member such that, in the approximated position of the first and second jaw members, the ring member contacts a portion of the other jaw member to define a gap distance between the plate and the other jaw member.
 2. The forceps according to claim 1, wherein the gap distance is in a range of about 0.001 inches to about 0.006 inches.
 3. The forceps according to claim 1, wherein the ring member is elastomeric and is configured to resiliently compress upon contact with the portion of the other jaw member.
 4. The forceps according to claim 1, wherein the ring member is releasably positionable about the jaw housing.
 5. The forceps according to claim 1, wherein the at least one jaw member further includes an insulating member disposed within the jaw housing, and wherein the ring member is positioned to surround a portion of the insulating member.
 6. The forceps according to claim 5, wherein the at least one jaw member further includes a jaw frame disposed within the jaw housing, the jaw frame supporting the insulating member thereon, and wherein the ring member is positioned to surround a portion of the jaw frame.
 7. The forceps according to claim 1, wherein the jaw housing defines an annular groove and wherein the ring member is positioned within the annular groove.
 8. The forceps according to claim 1, wherein the jaw housing defines a longitudinal axis and wherein the ring member is longitudinally-spaced from the plate.
 9. The forceps according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first and second jaw members is adapted to connect to a source of energy for applying energy to tissue grasped between the first and second jaw members.
 10. A forceps, comprising: an end effector assembly including first and second jaw members defining respective proximal and distal ends, the first and second jaw members coupled to each other at the respective proximal ends thereof such that at least one of the first and second jaw members is movable relative to the other between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position for grasping tissue therebetween, at least one of the jaw members including: a jaw frame; an electrically-conductive plate disposed between the proximal and distal ends of the at least one jaw member and spaced-apart from the distal end thereof; a jaw housing supporting the plate thereon and disposed about the jaw frame, the jaw housing including a distal portion disposed between the electrically-conductive plate and the distal end of the at least one jaw member; and a ring member surrounding the distal portion of the jaw housing and retaining the jaw housing about the jaw frame, the ring member distally-spaced from the plate and extending from the plate towards the other jaw member such that, in the approximated position of the first and second jaw members, the ring member contacts a portion of the other jaw member to define a gap distance between the plate and the other jaw member.
 11. The forceps according to claim 10, wherein the gap distance is in a range of about 0.001 inches to about 0.006 inches.
 12. The forceps according to claim 10, wherein the ring member is elastomeric, the ring member configured to resiliently retain the jaw housing about the jaw frame and to resiliently compress upon contact with the portion of the other jaw member.
 13. The forceps according to claim 10, wherein the ring member is releasably positionable about the jaw housing.
 14. The forceps according to claim 10, wherein the at least one jaw member further includes an insulating member disposed within the jaw housing, and wherein the ring member retains the jaw housing about insulating member.
 15. The forceps according to claim 14, wherein the ring member is positioned to surround a portion of the insulating member.
 16. The forceps according to claim 10, wherein the jaw housing defines an annular groove and wherein the ring member is positioned within the annular groove.
 17. The forceps according to claim 10, wherein the jaw housing defines a longitudinal axis and wherein the ring member is longitudinally-spaced from the plate.
 18. The forceps according to claim 10, wherein at least one of the first and second jaw members is adapted to connect to a source of energy for applying energy to tissue grasped between the first and second jaw members. 